The UK Prime Minister on Saturday (Nov. 27) confirmed new temporary and precautionary measures following the emergence of the Omicron variant in the UK.
“The Omicron variant contains a large number of spike protein mutations as well as mutations in other parts of the viral genome. Urgent work is ongoing internationally to fully understand how these mutations may change the behaviour of the virus with regards to vaccines, treatments and transmissibility.”
“Vaccines remain our best line of defence. Experts remain confident that our current vaccines will provide protection against the new variant, but the extent of this continues to be investigated.”
Targeted measures will be introduced from next week as a precaution to slow down the spread of the variant. These are:
All international arrivals must take a Day 2 PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status. They will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
Face coverings will be made compulsory in shops and on public transport from next week. All hospitality settings will be exempt.
Two cases of the Omicron variant were identified on Saturday (Nov. 27) in Essex and Nottingham.
Travel restrictions have already been implemented to slow the spread of the variant and protect our borders. From 04:00 Sunday 28 November South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Angola will be added to the UK’s travel red list.
“The vaccination programme and test, trace and isolate system continue to be the most effective way of reducing transmission, along with practising good hygiene, keeping spaces well ventilated, and wearing a face-covering in enclosed or crowded spaces,” the statement read.
Many countries have slapped restrictions on various southern African countries over the past couple of days including Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, Iran, Japan, Thailand and the United States, in response to warnings over the transmissibility of the new variant — against the advice of the World Health Organization.
